2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has 59 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 100, and ranks worst of all 10 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict. Steering (32% of complaints) and airbags (29%) are the top problem areas, with no recalls filed.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 10 MKZ Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 59
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 38
- 41 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering19 (32%)
- Airbags17 (29%)
- Brakes9 (15%)
- Electrical System9 (15%)
- Engine7 (12%)
- Other6 (10%)
- Structure & Body6 (10%)
- Fuel System3 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Power steering can fail suddenly with no warning, sometimes displaying a service message, even at low mileage.
- While driving, the engine can shut off unexpectedly along with the "stop safely now" warning, sometimes causing loss of steering and braking assist at the same time.
- Drivers report the engine dying while stopped in traffic or at low speed, then restarting only after being shifted into park.
- The driver's side door can become difficult or impossible to open from inside, sometimes requiring the handle and lock button to be worked simultaneously or the door opened from outside.
- Some owners describe their foot getting caught on something under the dashboard while moving between the accelerator and brake pedal.
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 41 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 38 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other MKZ Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2012 MKZ Hybrid has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the 10 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other MKZ Hybrid years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
- Steering complaints are the largest category, making up 32% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 63,000. Airbag complaints follow at 29% of complaints.
- Does the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2012 MKZ Hybrid.
- Which Lincoln MKZ Hybrid year is better than 2012?
- The 2016 model year has the lowest complaint index at 33 and a Good verdict, while 2013 also carries a Good verdict with an index of 44.
- What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2012 MKZ Hybrid?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 60,000, though steering complaints show a median of 63,000 miles.